Physical Symptoms of Anxiety Disorder

Every person experiences anxiety at some point, but when anxiety becomes a condition it can cause physical as well as emotional symptoms. These include a feeling of anxiety, muscle tension and stomach problems.

A psychiatrist, psychologist, or therapist utilizes screening tools to determine if you have anxiety disorders. They will also inquire about your medical history and run tests to rule out any other health conditions that may cause similar symptoms.

1. Headaches

Most people feel anxious at times. But that's different from being diagnosed with an anxiety disorder, which is when the symptoms are more frequent or don't disappear. Anxiety can affect your daily routine and make it difficult to participate in social situations.

Headaches are a typical physical symptom associated with anxiety. They can range from a tension headache2 up to a complete migraine for some people. This is because many people tense their bodies in response to the fight or flight response and holding their muscles in a rigid position for long periods of time can cause pain.3

Lightheadedness or dizziness is another physical symptom of anxiety. This could be caused by rapid heart rate, hyperventilating or the combination of both. It could be a sign you suffer from a serious medical condition like heart disease. Consult your physician to determine.

You might also feel weak in your legs or arms this could be another indication of anxiety. This is because the nervous system releases adrenaline and cortisol which allow you to respond to threats by increasing your heart rate and getting your body ready for a possible attack. Over time these hormones could have a negative impact on your health, making you feel weak, shakey or dizzy.

You may experience worse symptoms if you are stressed and are having trouble sleeping. Try to take a break before bed and stick to an established routine so that you can get more rest. Exercise can be beneficial. Aerobic exercise can release brain chemicals that reduce stress and improve your mood, and it can aid in falling asleep more easily. If you are still having trouble sleeping, talk to your doctor about treatment options.

2. Stomach issues

The body tightens up in response to anxiety, and if you have chronic anxiety, it can result in persistent discomfort. Your muscles may ache, your stomach can feel a bit sluggish, or you could develop diarrhea. The digestive system of your body can be affected by the constant release of stress hormones which can cause constipation, bloating, or irritable bowel syndrome.

You can experience stomach issues with any type of anxiety disorder, however people who suffer from panic disorders are more likely to experience them. According to the American Psychiatric Association, panic attacks are sudden, intense feelings or terror of impending doom. They can happen in specific situations or without any reason. You might feel as if you are having a heartattack or that you're unable to breathe. You may also experience chest pains or an extremely rapid pulse.

Long-term anxiety can increase the risk of developing other health issues. The hormones that trigger anxiety symptoms assist us in responding to a threat however, if you're always on alert all the time your immune system could be affected. This could make you more prone to catching the common cold as well as other illnesses.

Your doctor can diagnose anxiety disorders by conducting an examination of your body and an interview about your symptoms. Before diagnosing anxiety, they'll rule out other causes, such as thyroid or heart problems. A mental health professional will also be able to offer you support and help manage your symptoms. They can teach you relaxation techniques and assist you to overcome any underlying trauma or negative experience that may have caused your anxiety. They can also help you in locating the best treatment for you. Ask your doctor to refer you, or search online directories for an anxiety specialist.

3. Muscle tension

Although most people are aware that a racing heart and jittery hands are signs of anxiety, a lot of people don't realize that tension in the muscles is a sign of anxiety disorders like generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), social anxiety disorder (SAD), panic disorder, or specific fears. If someone is experiencing these symptoms regularly they could lose their range and experience persistent pain in their neck, back and shoulders.

Tense muscles are a typical sign of anxiety disorders because the body's fight-or-flight response triggers a cascade of reactions that trigger us to physically react to perceived threats. Moderate anxiety levels elicit these reactions as part of our natural survival instinct however, they can also cause long-term muscle issues when they happen frequently or over a prolonged period of time.

When a real danger is present, your adrenal glands produce hormones that increase the speed of your heartbeat so that more blood is pumped to your large muscles in your legs or arms in the event you have to flee or fight. https://squareblogs.net/chivefaucet89/10-methods-to-build-your-generalized-anxiety-disorder-empire increased heart rates also increase the rate that your lungs fill up with oxygen. The combination of stress and hyperventilation can make you feel lightheaded or dizzy.

If you suffer from an anxiety disorder, however, your body can't return to its normal state of relaxation between stress-related responses. You feel anxious throughout the day due to the anxiety disorder, and you keep your sympathetic nervous system on high alert. According to the American Psychological Association, this can lead to chronic muscle tensing and long-term pain. It can also affect your digestive system, which may cause stomachaches, constipation, diarrhea, or irritable bowel syndrome.

4. Dizziness

You might be shaky or unbalanced in the event of anxiety. This is because of the nervous system's response to anxiety. Your body tenses up when you think of something that scares or worries you, and then relaxes when the threat is gone. If you are experiencing these symptoms often and your anxiety is chronic you could be suffering from an anxiety disorder.

When you're worried frequently, it can be hard to focus or sleep enough. It also causes havoc to your body and may cause you to gain weight, according to the Cleveland Clinic. Anxiety also has a big impact on your menstrual cycle. According to the American Psychological Association, anxiety can cause you to skip your menstrual cycle or have irregular cycles by altering hormones that cause ovulation.

You can be more susceptible to anxiety if you suffer from high blood pressure or heart problems. It is essential to manage these medical conditions to decrease your risk. If you're suffering from any of these conditions, be sure to tell your therapist.

A traumatic experience like a car accident or surgery may also increase your risk of anxiety. Anxiety can be triggered by chronic illnesses, like asthma or diabetes, or a recurring medical health condition. The good news is that there are solutions which can alleviate anxiety issues. They include psychotherapy or talk therapy, like cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) which helps you turn negative thoughts and behaviors that trigger anxiety into positive ones. You can also learn to practice relaxation techniques, like meditation or deep breathing. In addition there are supplements that you can take to relax your mind and body.

5. Sweating

Anxiety is a term that encompasses an array of emotions that can cause your heart to beat, your stomach to upset and your muscles to become tight. These symptoms alone aren't enough to cause anxiety disorder but when they become chronic, they can become a problem. You may also experience sweating, chills and other physical symptoms that make you seek medical assistance.

According to the National Institute of Mental Health sweating is a typical physical manifestation of anxiety disorders. When your body's fight-or flight response is activated, it increases the rate that your blood circulates to prepare you for fighting or escape. This increased heart rate could cause you to feel dizzy or breathless. Breathing faster than normal--also known as hyperventilation--can enhance many of these physical symptoms by upsetting the balance between oxygen and carbon dioxide in your body, according to U.S. National Library of Medicine.

Dyspnea refers to a feeling that you can't breathe. It's an indication that your anxiety is becoming too overwhelming to manage.

Your healthcare provider will assess your anxiety for a disorder in light of your symptoms and the way they impact your daily routine. You'll be asked about previous experiences as well as your current concerns. They might also conduct tests to determine if you have any other health issues that may be contributing to your symptoms, like imaging scanners and blood tests. In certain instances, they might prescribe medications to alleviate the symptoms. These include strong antiperspirants containing aluminium or other substances that block nerves and Botox injections in the sweat glands. Alternative treatments include psychotherapy, cognitive therapy and relaxation techniques like yoga or meditation.